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New appeal following murder of Joshua Bwalya

Detectives are renewing appeals for information and witnesses following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Barking.

Officers are particularly keen to speak with anyone who saw a group of youths who were on bicycles in the area.

Police were called at 01:00hrs on Wednesday, 2 August to Movers Lane in Barking - near the junction with Ripple Road - to reports of a stabbing. Officers attended and found 16-year-old Joshua Bwalya suffering from stab wounds.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended but Joshua was pronounced dead at the scene

Formal identification took place and a post-mortem examination was held on Thursday, 3 August. The cause of death was recorded as multiple stab wounds.

Two other males aged 16 and 20 years were also found nearby suffering from stab wounds. They were taken by LAS to separate hospitals where they were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They were subsequently discharged following treatment and taken into police custody. They have since been released with no further action.

An incident room has opened under the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, who is leading the investigation, said: “I am renewing my appeal for anyone who witnessed this tragic murder and who is yet to speak with my team to come forward and let us know what you saw.

“I believe that the suspects in this fatal stabbing were riding bicycles. They were dressed in dark clothing, and some of them are thought to have been wearing bandana-type face coverings and hoods. They would have looked out of place and I am certain someone would have seen where they went.

"Whilst we have charged two men with Joshua's murder, this remains an ongoing investigation and I know that there are other suspects, who at this time remain unidentified. It is crucial that I identify and arrest these people and I feel sure that someone must know who they are. I would appeal directly to any such people to come forward. This was a savage attack on a 16-year-old boy which has left his family devastated. I would urge you to come forward and help them.”

Anyone with information should call the Homicide and Major Crime Command Incident Room on 020 8345 1570 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also tweet information to @MetCC.

Two men have been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder; a third man has been bailed pending further enquiries.